Advance Planning Will Enhance Your Next Fishing Vacation

Advance Planning Will Enhance Your Next Fishing Vacation

By Capt. Gus Cane

Hot summer fishing and vacations go together like hot dogs and watermelon. The action is fast-paced, and it’ s the perfect opportunity to enjoy time on the water with family and friends. To maximize the enjoyment, though, plan ahead to take full advantage of your valuable leisure time.

Long before you arrive, start by doing as much research as you can about the area you’ll be fishing. Even if you’ve been there previously, conditions change from season to season, and you’ ll want to be prepared. Sport-fishing magazines and the internet are two good sources of information. Pay special attention to trends, locations or conditions, techniques, and baits/lures. For example, an archival search of a magazine website (or hard copy back issues) might reveal a new tactic for catching trophy striped bass. Another might describe a wreck that’ s attracting flounder or flats that are especially productive for tailing redfish.

Local fishing forums and guide websites are more excellent sources of information with real-time updates. By surfing through those, you can learn what the best baits or lure patterns are for the current conditions. Check out the latest reports to see what tides have been producing, the best depths and the current water clarity. Be sure to check the state fisheries agency too. They’ll have the latest on bag and size limits, special license needs or any area closures.

Pick up the phone and make a few calls before you go. The marina where you’ll be keeping the boat or launching is a great source of local knowledge. So are the local tackle shops. They’ll also have all the tackle, bait and ice you’ll need for that specific area.

Speaking of tackle, don’t wait until the night before your first outing to check over your gear. Give it a thorough inspection long before leaving the homestead. Check drags, guides and reel seats. Re-spool the reels with new line and make sure they are operating smoothly. If not, have them serviced or do it yourself. Don’t forget to pack the other necessary gear as well, like landing nets or gaffs, coolers, leader material, de-hookers and other tools, plus the tackle bag/box with all the terminal gear you might need including hooks, sinkers, crimps, and swivels.

Start a list and write out everything and check it off as each item is being packed so nothing is left behind. Redundancy is always a good policy, especially if the vacation spot is remote. Carry enough rods and reels for all contingencies. You may anticipate fishing offshore, but wind and weather may force a change of plans by the time the trip rolls around. An arsenal of light-tackle could easily save the week if you have it with you, though.

It’s always a good insurance policy to carry a full spare hub assembly and spare tire in case there’s a problem on the road.

Vacations are the perfect chance to try out some new fishing and with the Carolina Skiff Ultra-Elite Series 23, you’ll have the versatility and features to make that happen. This model has plenty of room and the range to carry the entire family to that special spot and all the amenities for putting fish in the boat once you drop anchor. With a capacity for 16 rods, coaming pads, an insulated live well and three-tray tackle storage, you’ll be able to fish in style and maximize your well-deserved break from the daily grind.

Once the battles are over, cool off with a refreshing dip. The swim platform and transom shower on the 23 make it easy to re-board and rinse off afterwards. And then sit back and relax on the folding rear bench seat or the flip-back leaning post, enjoy a cold beverage using one of the cup-holders and take in the sunset for the perfect ending to another fun-filled summer vacation.

The outdoor enthusiast finally has a rugged, waterproof option when it comes to high-quality stereo sound. With built-in Bluetooth audio streaming, AM/FM radio and USB audio playback, STEREOACTIVE is packed with features. Engineered in New Zealand, the new compact system is designed for the challenges of life on the water or exposure to the elements and tuned to deliver crystal clear audio that enhances any activity. Featuring the unique Puck mount system, users can easily and securely attach the stereo to any surface, such as an RV exterior, cooler, outdoor cooking space, paddleboard, kayak, canoe, boat or even hot tub. To keep valuables safe from the elements, FUSION has also offered the ACTIVESAFE which, when combined with STEREOACTIVE, will securely house any smartphone, vehicle keys, bank cards, or loose change.

Virtually every angler on the water these days is well aware that boat docks hold bass throughout the year. However, not all anglers approach dock fishing with the correct tackle and strategy to make the most of their time on the water. Fine-tuning your approach by reaching all fish-holding zones and identifying patterns can definitely lead to higher catch rates and bigger fish. Read More…
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Live bait rigged to stay on or near the surface is enticing as well. Predators push bait to the top during an attack, so a nervous morsel suspended under a kite, balloon or cork is always easy pickings. Baits hooked through the nose, or dorsal fin will stay near the surface whereas those hooked in the stomach or lower tail tend to swim downward. Trolled baits and lures serve the same purpose. The combination of splashing and bubbles, often in conjunction with teasers, help draw the game fish into the surface strike zone Read More…